At the India Today Education Conclave 2026, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) over the past five years has led to historic changes in India's education system. He emphasized that the new policy is moving the country away from traditional rote learning towards innovation, employability, and multilingual education. The NEP aims to create a more dynamic learning environment by integrating technology and offering diverse educational approaches.

The minister pointed out that one of the core recommendations of the NEP is to provide education in students' mother tongues at least until the fifth grade. He noted that learning in one's native language enhances cognitive abilities and fosters innovation among students. The policy also encourages the use of mother-tongue instruction through the eighth grade wherever feasible, promoting better understanding and retention.

Looking ahead, Minister Pradhan elaborated on upcoming initiatives, including teacher training based on artificial intelligence and further incorporation of technology in education. He assured that language choice at the higher education level would remain flexible and dependent on the students, institutions, and universities. This strategic focus signals the government's commitment to developing an adaptable and skilled workforce, aligning educational outcomes with the demands of the modern job market.